Walmart tussle could result in 15-year prison sentence

Tools

ST. LOUIS (AP) - Nearly three years after Heather Ellis switched
checkout lines at a Missouri Walmart and touched off what she calls a
racially charged dispute, the young black schoolteacher faces a
trial that could get her 15 years in prison.

Witnesses say Ellis cut in front of waiting customers, shoved merchandise on a conveyor belt out of her way and became belligerent when confronted, according to court filings.

Ellis maintains she was merely joining her cousin in a faster line. She says she was pushed by a white customer, hassled by store employees, called racial slurs and physically mistreated by police
officers.

Police say she kicked one officer and split another's lip. Her trial for assault, resisting arrest and disturbing the peace begins Wednesday.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

 


NBC Augusta 26 News brings you straight to the point news, weather, and sports from Augusta and the CSRA. Meet our NBC Augusta 26 News staff!

View comments

The following comments do not necessarily represent the views of NBC Augusta 26 | news, weather, sports, community, entertainment, shopping for Augusta, Georgia. Users have agreed to these terms and in doing so accept full responsibility for their comments. Moderation is limited.

Saturday, Nov 21 at 1:00 PM william wrote ...

"joining" your companion in line is no different than cutting in line, the people in line don't care if you know someone or not. so she hears a racial slur after the whole thing is over, and that makes all her behavior ok? lol.

32465409
Inappropriate? Alert Us!

Saturday, Nov 21 at 12:58 PM william wrote ...

just "joining" your companion in line is no different than cutting in line, the people in line don't care if you know someone or not. so after the whole thing is over, she claims she hears a racial slur, so that makes her behavior all ok, right?

32465346
Inappropriate? Alert Us!

Tuesday, Nov 17 at 5:34 PM Glenys wrote ...

Reverse discrimination is very popular amongst people of color. I should know, I used to be a cashier !... Respect should rule the day not color or race or national origin!!!...

32258281
Inappropriate? Alert Us!

Monday, Nov 16 at 6:13 PM anonymous wrote ...

Put her in jail to think about the fact the race card is now a joker and people are sick of it, yeas I am WHITE!!!!!

32203329
Inappropriate? Alert Us!

Monday, Nov 16 at 5:38 PM john wrote ...

someone should have checked this puke before she got to walmart. she is old enough to know better but wait...maybe she was owed a spot, you know, "because".

32201294
Inappropriate? Alert Us!

Monday, Nov 16 at 2:42 PM Jeff Magnus wrote ...

Someone cut in line on my Nanna a couple of years ago and then gave her some choice words when she politely challenged the line jumper. This world will get no better until we ALL start treating everyone we meet with the same respect that we feel entitled to.

32191591
Inappropriate? Alert Us!

Monday, Nov 16 at 12:09 PM mrpcez wrote ...

Cool!! I hope she gets what's coming to her. Whether black or white, I don't understand why people feel there is a need to be rude by thinking they are more important then those attempting to be civil. Of course, this woman has to throw the race card out there. Her claims may be true, but her actions cause individuals to feel that way in the first place and they are still no excuse for her behavior.

32182979
Inappropriate? Alert Us!

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

WAGT and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. Comments are posted on site immediately and without station moderation. If you feel a comment is inappropriate you may flag it for review. For guidelines on flagging comments see our Terms & Conditions. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

I have read and agree to the terms

Hide comments

More Good Stuff

Advertisement

WAGT Weather

Click here for 7 Day Forecast
Icon
Current Temp 76.0 °F
Partly Cloudy
More Weather

WAGT Weather

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

On Demand

NBC Augusta 26 RSS FeedsNBC Augusta 26 Twitter Feed NBC Augusta 26 Facebook Page NBC Full Shows Online

Viewer Poll

What do you think about Tiger's return to golf for the Masters Tournament?

  • Too soon, he should focus on his family
  • He's apologized, it's time for him to return to the game